When should you cover the brake while approaching a traffic light?

Covering the brake while approaching a traffic light is crucial for ensuring safety and maintaining control of your vehicle. When the light is yellow or changing, it indicates that the traffic signal is about to turn red, and vehicles are expected to stop. By covering the brake during this phase, drivers are prepared to react quickly and stop safely if necessary. This proactive approach helps in preventing accidents that could occur if a driver fails to stop in time or if the situation suddenly changes due to the actions of other drivers or pedestrians.

Approaching a green light does not require covering the brake since there is no immediate need to stop unless the situation changes. If the light is red, stopping is mandatory, but covering the brake is not necessary since the driver is already prepared to apply it. Constantly covering the brake when there is no need can lead to driver fatigue or overreaction. Thus, the action of covering the brake is specifically important when the light is yellow or changing to ensure readiness for any sudden need to stop.